Algebra for Primary Grades

(Part 2)

Objective:

Given the reading of Boom, Baby, Boom, Boom, discussion of patterns, students will demonstrate auditory patterns that they are able to make with a variety of instruments.

EALRs: 1.5 Understand and apply concepts and procedures from algebraic sense.

GLE: 1.5.1 Patterns, functions, and other relations.

Materials Needed:

Boom, Baby, Boom, Boom! By Margaret Mahy

Variety of musical instruments

Procedures:

Intro (10 min)

Did you all enjoy making drum patterns yesterday? Today we are going to read this book, Boom, Baby, Boom, Boom. As I read it, I want you to think about any patterns that you find in the book, and we’ll discuss them at the end. (Read, discuss)

Make own patterns (10 min)

Today we are going to make some more of our own musical patterns. Today you can choose to use the drum you made yesterday, or as I call your name, you can choose a musical instrument. You are also free to use anything else you can think of like hand clapping, finger snapping, using your pencils, etc. As I call your name, you can choose which one you want. Any questions?

Now I want you to get into groups of three, and you are as a group going to come up with a pattern. I’ll give you five minutes to do this. Then each group will play their pattern, and as they do so, the rest of us will try to identify what it is. For example, is it ABAB or AABAAB, etc. Any questions?

(Split into groups)

Assessment:

Each group plays, discuss each pattern (10 min)